Mi-Acid Gas 80mg Chewable Tablets
It is used to ease too much gas in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
Drug Class
Antiflatulent
Pharmacologic Class
Surfactant
Pregnancy Category
Not available (Generally considered safe due to lack of absorption)
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Simethicone is an anti-gas medicine that helps relieve painful pressure, bloating, and fullness caused by excess gas. It works by breaking up gas bubbles in your stomach and intestines, making them easier to pass.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Be sure to chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication after meals and at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Be sure to chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid gas-producing foods (e.g., beans, broccoli, carbonated drinks, fatty foods).
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to reduce air swallowing.
- Avoid chewing gum or sucking on hard candies.
- Regular exercise can help with gas passage.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
80 mg to 160 mg after meals and at bedtime as needed
Dose Range:
80 - 160 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
maximumDailyDose:
Not to exceed 500 mg in 24 hours
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (Consult pediatrician)
Infant:
Not established (Consult pediatrician, typically liquid drops are used for infants)
Child:
2-12 years: 40 mg after meals and at bedtime as needed (Max 4 doses/day, 240 mg/day)
Adolescent:
12 years and older: 80 mg to 160 mg after meals and at bedtime as needed (Max 500 mg/day)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No adjustment needed (Not absorbed systemically)
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Simethicone is an antiflatulent that works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract. This causes the bubbles to coalesce into larger bubbles, which are then more easily passed or absorbed. It acts locally in the GI tract and is not absorbed into the bloodstream.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Negligible (not absorbed)
Tmax:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
FoodEffect:
Administered after meals for optimal effect
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
Clearance:
Not applicable (not absorbed)
ExcretionRoute:
Feces (unchanged)
Unchanged:
100%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within minutes to hours
PeakEffect:
Not precisely defined due to local action
DurationOfAction:
Variable, depends on gas production
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances.
* Any health problems you have, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances.
* Any health problems you have, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently breast-feeding, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. This conversation will help you understand the potential benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Simethicone is generally considered safe with very low toxicity due to its lack of absorption. Overdose is unlikely to cause serious harm.
- Possible mild gastrointestinal upset (e.g., diarrhea) in very large doses.
What to Do:
Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) for advice, though typically no specific intervention is required beyond supportive care.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Symptom relief (bloating, gas, discomfort)
Frequency: As needed
Target: Reduction or elimination of symptoms
Action Threshold: If symptoms persist or worsen after several days of use, consult a healthcare provider.
Symptom Monitoring
- Abdominal bloating
- Gas pain
- Flatulence
- Abdominal discomfort
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy due to minimal to no systemic absorption. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Considered safe for use during breastfeeding as it is not absorbed systemically by the mother and therefore not excreted in breast milk. L1 (Safest) classification.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Safe for use in children and infants when dosed appropriately (often liquid drops for infants). Always follow age-specific dosing instructions and consult a pediatrician for infants and young children.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments are typically needed for elderly patients. Generally well-tolerated.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Simethicone works best when taken after meals and at bedtime, as this is when gas is often produced.
- It does not prevent gas formation but helps to relieve existing gas.
- Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing for optimal effect.
- If gas symptoms are accompanied by other severe symptoms (e.g., fever, persistent pain, blood in stool), seek medical attention as it may indicate a more serious condition.
Alternative Therapies
- Alpha-galactosidase (e.g., Beano) for gas from certain foods
- Lactase enzyme (e.g., Lactaid) for lactose intolerance
- Activated charcoal (less common for routine gas relief)
- Dietary modifications (e.g., avoiding gas-producing foods)
- Probiotics (for some individuals with digestive issues)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $15 per 30-60 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Not typically covered by prescription plans (OTC)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.